I don't take detailed notes at this event. There's too many people, too much going on, too much fun! I do a shorthand of things I tasted, things I like, things I like very much and things I would trample people to buy.

The trample list was longer than in some years. There were a number of wines I was very taken with. To make things better, virtually all of them were tasted early in the event, so it wasn't a tired palate.

The "like very much" wines (again in no particular order):2004 Perrier-Jouet Belle Epoque (this has been surprisingly good lately)Henriot Brut NV (another very pleasant surprise form a house I had previously ignored)2002 Andre ClouetPol Roger Brut NV (best version of this in a long time)Thienot Classique NV (new producer to me-really enjoyed all of the wines)Thienot Brut Rose1999 Thienot Grand CuveeDrappier Brut Nature & Brut Nature Rose

I had a chance to taste the new Champagnes from the Barons de Rothschild partnership, and they were pretty much all hat, no cattle to me. Decent wines at VERY high prices.

2002 Dom Perignon was a waste to taste. It was completely mute and closed.

The Armand de Brignac Champagnes were one again the prize winners for most brutally overpriced wines.

Finally, I was appalled at how sweet the bottle of Roederer Brut Premier tasted. Virtually undrinkable.

There behind the glass lies a real blade of grass. Be careful as you pass. Move along. Move along.